SCS/SB 909 - This act renames the "Missouri Student Religious Liberties Act" the "Missouri Safeguarding Personal Expression at K-12 Schools (SPEAKS) Act". The act adds political and ideological expression to the current protections for public school students' religious expression. The act additionally prohibits discrimination against student clubs on the basis of their religious, political, or ideological viewpoints or any requirement that the members of the club adhere to the club's sincerely held beliefs, comply with the club's conduct standards, or further the club's mission, as such mission is defined by the club. This act shall not be construed to limit school districts' ability to restrict speech that is not protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; speech that is so offensive that a student is effectively denied equal access to educational opportunities; or conduct that intentionally, materially, and substantially disrupts school operations or the expressive activity of another individual in a campus space exclusively reserved for such activity. Any person or student organization harmed by a violation of this act shall have a private cause of action against the school, as described in the act. Any person or student organization aggrieved by a violation of this act may assert such violation as a defense or counterclaim in any disciplinary action or in any civil or administrative proceeding. The state waives immunity and consents to be sued in federal court for claims arising under this act. This act is identical to a provision in SCS/HCS/HB 2682 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brad Hudson

Missouri bill expands student speech protections to cover political and ideological expression, limiting school authority to restrict student beliefs and expression in K-12 public schools.

SCS Voted Do Pass S Education Committee (4431S.03C)

Legislative bill overview

SB 909 renames Missouri's existing "Student Religious Liberties Act" to the "SPEAKS Act" and expands its protections to include students' political and ideological expression alongside religious expression in public K-12 schools. The bill creates legal safeguards preventing schools from restricting or penalizing students based on their personal beliefs, religious views, or political perspectives.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects how public schools can manage student speech and expression, potentially limiting administrators' ability to enforce codes of conduct or curricular alignment on ideological grounds. It raises questions about balancing individual student rights with school authority to maintain educational environments and address disruption, bullying, or discrimination.

Potential points of contention

Scope of protection: Defining where student expression rights end and school disciplinary authority begins—particularly regarding classroom disruption, hate speech, or harassment

Political expression expansion: Adding "political" expression to religious liberty protections may invite disputes over what constitutes protected political speech versus disruptive behavior

Implementation ambiguity: Schools may face unclear guidance on enforcing policies around dress codes, assignments, group projects, or participation when students claim ideological objections

Viewpoint neutrality concerns: The bill could complicate efforts to address documented discrimination or create liability for schools attempting to maintain inclusive environments